PATIENTS reliant on home visits from NHS staff could face delays and cancellations as the low emission zone (LEZ) comes into force, a union has warned.

Unite’s NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) branch claimed staff who are required to travel to those living within the zone in the city centre, which came into play on June 1, may struggle to meet the needs of patients.

The union warned those with community roles, such as midwives or GPs, will face fines of £60 if their vehicles don’t meet the LEZ criteria despite carrying out vital work in the area.

Certain vehicle types, such as bin lorries and emergency vehicles, have been granted exemptions to the new restrictions until a later date – allowing for additional time to ensure their vehicles meet the criteria.

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However, Unite has warned NHS staff must be included in the exemptions in order to protect medics from fines or struggling to find a pool car.

A spokesperson said: “Our understanding is there is currently no exemption for the staff so those who work within the area, who have clients within that boundary, are not exempt and will face fines.”

NHSGGC confirmed it was in “active communication” with staff who were concerned about the introduction of the LEZ.

A spokesperson confirmed arrangements were being made to increase the number of pool cars as well as plans to move vehicles between sites to ensure availability.

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A council spokesperson said: “Poor air quality presents a serious risk to public health and so the LEZ is an essential measure if Glasgow is to tackle the harmful air pollution that has dogged parts of the city centre for decades.

“To maximise the effectiveness of Glasgow’s LEZ, it is essential that compliance rates are as high as possible. This means that exemptions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and where it can be shown that timely efforts are being made to comply with LEZ requirements.

“Glasgow’s plan to phase in a city centre LEZ was announced in 2018 and since then there has been an extensive programme of communications and engagement to raise awareness of the scheme, its timescale for introduction and the availability of funding to ease compliance.

“While the vast majority – up to 90% - of vehicles currently entering the city centre will be unaffected, the LEZ standards will address the most polluting vehicles which are disproportionately creating the harmful concentrations of air pollution in the city centre.”